Deborah Kariuki is a prominent figure in the field of computer science education, currently serving as an faculty Assistant Teaching Professor. at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). With a background as a software engineer, she has transitioned into academia with a strong commitment to fostering computer science education. Deborah holds several key roles at UMBC, including Graduate Program Director of the Master of Education Program (MAE), Director of Computer Science Education a position she established to enhance the educational landscape
Her leadership extends beyond UMBC, as she is the current President of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Maryland and serves as Vice President for Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Mid-Atlantic. In addition, she co-leads the WiCyS International Mentoring Program and is the faculty advisor for the WiCyS UMBC student chapter. Deborah’s efforts to promote gender diversity in technology are further exemplified by her involvement as the chair of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Maryland board.
As the creator and director of the unique Master of Computer Science Education program at UMBC, she has set a benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide. Her accolades include the published research papers in secure programming, computational thinking across the curriculum, the NCWIT Educator Award and the BlackcomputeHer Sistah Award, recognizing her commitment to educating the next generation of computer scientists, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. With a master’s degree in cybersecurity and certification as an ethical hacker, Deborah continues to be a vital mentor and leader in shaping the future of cybersecurity and computer science education.